October 9, 2012 6:05pm EDTOctober 8, 2012 5:17pm EDTWith Danny Amendola expected to miss at least a month with a separated SC joint—the place where the collarbone meets the breastbone—it will take a collective effort to replace his productivity.

Jim Thomas

Published on Oct. 8, 2012 | Updated on Oct. 9, 2012

Oct. 8, 2012

ST. LOUIS—With Danny Amendola expected to miss at least a month with a separated SC joint—the place where the collarbone meets the breastbone—it will take a collective effort to replace his productivity in an already struggling Rams offense.

Look for either veteran Steve Smith or second-year pro Austin Pettis to replace Amendola in the slot. Smith has been inactive the past two games but is a precise route runner with good hands. Pettis has more upside, and also has good hands, but still needs to refine his game, including escaping press coverage on the line of scrimmage.

With Amendola down, speedy rookie Chris Givens is expected to move into the starting lineup, joining Brandon Gibson. Givens and QB Sam Bradford have connected on deep balls in each of the past two games, but Givens needs to be more consistent—and more sure-handed—on short and intermediate routes.

Touted rookie Brian Quick, who has only one catch all season, must be worked into the rotation as well.

NOTES: Tight end Lance Kendricks finally got his first NFL regular-season TD catch against Arizona but still has some trouble hanging onto the football. He has the speed and athleticism to be more than a token contributor in the passing game. Due to injuries on the offensive line, he frequently has been called upon to stay in to help block and is improving as a blocker. Those duties have led to less opportunities for him as a receiver, and that's how it might be for much of the season.